Senior Academic Advisor - Students in Transition (2 positions)

About the role

The Senior Academic Advisor - Students in Transition supports the enrollment, retention, and graduation of former students returning to San José State University. The position provides holistic academic advising and success coaching to students navigating the process of returning to the university, selecting or changing majors, and re-engaging with academic life.

Responsibilities

• Provide holistic academic advising and success coaching for former students returning to SJSU, including those previously disqualified or on academic notice.
• Aid students in creating individualized academic goals and educational plans aligned with university requirements, policies, and career aspirations.
• Guide students in navigating institutional procedures such as reinstatement, petitions, course withdrawals, and major selection.
• Maintain student progress using case management systems (e.g., EAB Navigate), track outcomes, and implement early interventions.
• Collaborate with campus partners including Undergraduate Education, Admissions, Registrar’s Office, and college advising units to support seamless student re-entry.
• Develop and deliver workshops and programming to enhance academic skills (e.g., study strategies, time management, communication with instructors).
• Create and execute communication plans that align with campus deadlines and support cycles to increase student engagement and retention.
• Analyze advising data to identify trends and make recommendations to improve advising processes and student outcomes.
• Involvement in student success initiatives, orientation, and events that promote engagement and a sense of belonging among returning and continuing students.
• Identify and refer students experiencing financial, housing, or personal challenges to appropriate support services.

Requirements

• Knowledge of student development theories, academic advising models, and best practices in student retention and success.
• Understanding of university policies, academic requirements, and procedures related to graduation, reinstatement, and change of major.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with diverse student populations.
• Skills in active listening, problem solving, conflict resolution, and decision making.
• Proficiency in case management tools (e.g., EAB Navigate), PeopleSoft, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive issues with discretion.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and student-centered service.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university in a related field, including or supplemented by upper division or graduate coursework in counseling techniques, interviewing, and conflict resolution where such are job-related.
• Three years of progressively responsible professional student services work experience.
• A master’s degree in Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, or a directly related field may be substituted for one year of experience.
• A doctorate degree and the appropriate internship or clinical training in counseling or guidance may be substituted for the three years of experience for positions with a major responsibility for professional career or personal counseling.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Counseling, Student Affairs, or related area.
• Equivalent of 3 years progressively professional student services work experience.
• Experience working in an advising office/center, preferably a high volume and fast-paced work environment.
• Experience working with students, staff, faculty and administrators.
• Experience with university and college advising policies and procedures.

Benefits

San José State University offers a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.